**Stromatolite** - Fossilized formations created by cyanobacteria, the oldest fossil evidence of life on earth — a modern reminder of our origins and the tangible link that connects all living things.

Owner, Maria Burke was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. She received her BFA in Biomedical Art from the Cleveland Institute of Art — studying techniques in scientific illustration along with zoology and biology at Case Western Reserve University & Cleveland State. She began her professional career at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History in 2007 where she studied under bronze sculptor and museum taxidermist Laurence G. Isard until his passing in 2009 — when she assumed his position. Her career at CMNH evolved over the years from taxidermist, ornithology collections preparator, and exhibit interpretive designer — to managing and art directing the exhibits department through 2018.
Her personal artwork draws from her experience in illustration, museum taxidermy, and model making. Her work seeks to inspire curiosity and appreciation for the wildlife that we share our backyards and beyond with.
Maria currently maintains a farm and artist studio located in the Hocking Hills region of SouthEast Ohio alongside her husband, an environmental scientist. Founding Stromatolite LLC in 2021, her exhibit design and museum services studio now partners with many Ohio nature centers, the National Parks Service, and museums throughout the country.
“No one will protect what they don’t care about; and no one will care about what they have never experienced”
- Sir David Attenborough

MAKE NATURE ACCESSIBLE TO ALL

CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS

Museums, nature centers, libraries, and botanical gardens all have an educational mission to bring to their visitors and audience. Designing displays, exhibits, or art that not only fits your aesthetic and space, but are also approachable, digestible, and memorable is the best way to spread your messaging.

EDUCATORS

There is no better way to learn about and appreciate nature than to see it up-close and personal. Bring nature to your students through custom created diagrams, infographics, models, illustrations, or taxidermy.

HOME OR BUSINESS

Blur the lines between your interior environment and the green spaces that surrounds your everyday, by bringing nature into your four walls. Whether its fine art prints, original commissioned paintings, or a mural — inspire a passion for nature to anyone who enters your space.

PROJECT PARTNERS

MEMBERSHIPS & AFFILIATIONS

Awards

CHARLEY HARPER AWARD - Environmental Education Council of Ohio,
Awarded to artists who have made a significant or outstanding contribution to environmental education in Ohio through various forms of art.

2024

BEST EXHIBITION - Ohio Museums Association,
For curation and design of It’s an Honor to be Here: Ohio Nature Arts in Their Natural State, The Decorative Arts Center of Ohio

2023

THE BUCKEYE AWARD - Ohio Taxidermists Association Championship
Best Showcase of Ohio’s Native Wildlife, for recreation of Spring creatures of the Ohio Eastern Hemlock ravine.

FIRST PLACE PROFESSIONAL DIVISION - Ohio Taxidermists Association Championship
Little Brown Bat sculpture.

FIRST PLACE PROFESSIONAL DIVISION - Ohio Taxidermists Association Championship
Spotted Salamander sculpture.

FIRST PLACE PROFESSIONAL DIVISION - Ohio Taxidermists Association Championship
Wood Frog sculpture.

2022

2021

FIRST PLACE PROFESSIONAL DIVISION - Ohio Taxidermists Association Championship
Carolina Parakeet recreation.

BEST OF DIVISION - Ohio Taxidermists Association Championship
Carolina Parakeet recreation.

FIRST PLACE PROFESSIONAL DIVISION - Ohio Taxidermists Association Championship
Rainbow Darter sculpture.

BEST OF SHOW FLAT ART - Ohio Taxidermists Association Championship
Gouache Ohio wildlife painting

Stromatolite - Fossilized formations created by cyanobacteria, the oldest fossil evidence of life on earth — a modern reminder of our origins and the tangible link that connects all living things.